How do we fix this?

[Guest blueadams]

Step-by-step procedure:

...There's 22.6 mil in cap space available, with 15/23 roster spots accounted for.

#1) Trade Cleary (for nothing, I don't care). Now there's 25.4 mil in cap space available, with 14/23 roster spots accounted for.

#2) Put Nyquist, Tatar, Smith and Mursak (or Sheahan?) on the roster. Now there's 22.2 mil in cap space available, with 18/23 roster spots accounted for.

#3) Resign Helm and Abdelkader to similar contracts. Now there's 20.5 mil in cap space available, with 20/23 roster spots accounted for.

#4) Sign Parise and Suter to contracts at about 7.0 mil per season. Now there's 6.5 mil in cap space available with 22/23 roster spots accounted for.

#5) The remaining 6.5 mil (and it might be less) is for Lidstrom, who may need to take a pay-cut.

2012/2013 Detroit Red Wings:

Filppula(3.0)-Datsyuk(6.7)-*Parise(7.0)

Franzen(4.0)-Zetterberg(6.1)-Bertuzzi(2.1)

*Tatar(0.8)-*Helm(0.9)-*Nyquist(0.9)

Miller(0.8)-*Abdelkader(0.8)-Eaves(1.2)

Emmerton(0.5)

*Mursak(0.6)

*Lidstrom(6.2)-*Suter(7.0)

Kronwall(4.8)-White(2.9)

*Smith(0.9)-Ericsson(3.3)

Kindl(0.9)

Howard(2.3)

MacDonald(0.6)

...That's a team that could win it all.

Edited April 18, 2012 by blueadams

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

In an ideal world, this would work and I would endorse it.

In the real world, the Wings won't sign any free agents but will instead keep the rusty wheels around out of "loyalty" and promote unproven/small players to the big team who will give minimal contributions during the regular season and will get pushed around by the ALWAYS LARGER defensemen of the Western Conference.

Kocur for GM.

[Nyquistfan14 489]

Step by Step. 22.6 mill in cap space for 15/23 man roster

1) trade Franzen, Kindl, Emmerton for picks and prospects. Leaving us with roughly 28 mill with 12/23 spots taken

2) Throw Nyquist, Smith, and Mursak on the team leaving us with roughly 25.7 mill in cap space with 15/23 spots taken

3) Resign Helm and Andelkader. Helm 3 or 4 years for 1.75 a year. Abby 3 year 1.2. 22.75 in cap space for 17/23 spots taken.

4) Sign Suter, Parise, and Semin for a total of 19 million. Leaving 3.75 in space with 20/23 spots taken.

5) Sign Konopka and another fourth line physical player for cheap say 1.8 or so for both. Leaving 1.95 in space with 22/23 spots taken.

6) Sign a physical bruising d-man for around 1-1.2. Leaving 750,000- 950,000 in space with a full roster.

Nyquist- Datsyuk- Semin

Filppula- Zetterberg- Parise

Abdelkader- Helm- Eaves

Cleary- Konopka- 4th liner/ bertuzzi/ mursak

Suter- Big E

Kronwall- Smith

Quincey- White

Physical bruising d-man

Howard

Joey

[Hossa4Life 4]

last i checked it was a best of 7 series...

[Nevermind 363]

A lot of teams want Parise and Suter, unfortunately.

Parise did say his favorite player to watch is Datsyuk, though. Maybe there's a little hope with him.

[atodaso 279]

On second thought... never mind.

Edited April 18, 2012 by atodaso

[MibJab 4]

How do we fix this? Apparently not with duct tape, or first round picks.

[CopenhagenWing 38]

"Frank" it, pull a Pittsburgh.

Tank on purpose 5 years in a row for those early picks.

[RippedOnNitro 22]

I don't mind seeing this happen during the offseason...although I really don't see this happen during the offseason (unfortunately).

[VM1138 1,921]

1. A pure goal scorer.

1a. Acquire one or two faceoff specialists.

2. A new defensive coach who can stop them from pinching and creating endless odd men rushes (hasn't been a problem in the playoffs too much, but regular season was brutal)

3. Acquire a great backup goaltender.

A lot of players simply aren't pulling their weight. Abdelkader has been all over the ice, but we expect him to get some offense going too and he hasn't all year. The bottom six needs an overhaul and we need to acquire a lot of depth because we'll get plagued with injuries again late in the season.

Franzen-Datsyuk-?

Bertuzzi-Zetterberg-Filppula

Miller-Helm-Abdelkader

Nyquist-?-Tatar

?-Kronwall

Ericsson-White

Quincey-Smith

With this debacle of a series I don't see Lidstrom returning. He can't contribute due to injury and that's going to play a big factor in his decision I'm sure. He can't play the way he wants to anymore.

Even with a big-name acquisition that defense is not the best in the league. We need to add scoring ability to all lines, too.

Howard...well...he's been pretty cold this season and in this last game, but we can't do anything about him. Just acquire a new backup who can carry half the load if need be.

Edited April 18, 2012 by VM1138

[b.shanafan14 733]

"Didn't see what we were looking for in free agency"

"Prices were too high for our liking"

"Holding on to our cap-space for possible late season acquisitions"

"Improvements will come from within (reference a players injury or player waiting for breakout)"

"We like our hockey team"

Last three years have been treading water. Wasting years on the odometer of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Lidstrom, the latter of which will most likely be gone. I hate using hindsight, but it is true, the signing of Franzen and Hudler in 2009 while letting Hossa and Samuelsson walk has not worked out. And I would be shocked if Holland doesn't resign Hudler at a raise.

Way too much loyalty; not enough balls. The Wings NEED a splash in free agency, in the form of Parise or Suter. And honestly, seeing how few pure scorers this team has, I would prefer Parise. Top-tier forwards don't become available often, and as much as I know the Wings blueline will need bolstering, Datsyuk and Zetterberg are on the wrong side of the 30-32 hump and need help from a young, elite scorer. Good as Suter is, I really don't think that will change our fortunes, just slow the bleeding.

Parise (or similiar elite scorer) or bust.

[b.shanafan14 733]

1. A pure goal scorer.

1a. Acquire one or two faceoff specialists.

2. A new defensive coach who can stop them from pinching and creating endless odd men rushes (hasn't been a problem in the playoffs too much, but regular season was brutal)

3. Acquire a great backup goaltender.

All of this. Defense has plenty of bodies. We'll need someone to cushion the loss of Lidstrom, but a reliable backup to prevent us from overworking/injuring Howard and coaches worth their salt would help that tremendously. Eaves and Helm healthy would change the team completely, but we did never replace Draper's faceoff acumen.

[matt198913 932]

Praise will be a Red Wing next year. But ya last time I checked this is a 7 game series. Down 3-1 last year went into San Jose and won the road game. We can get this to a game 7 no doubt in my mind.

[Guest blueadams]

In an ideal world, this would work and I would endorse it.

In the real world, the Wings won't sign any free agents but will instead keep the rusty wheels around out of "loyalty" and promote unproven/small players to the big team who will give minimal contributions during the regular season and will get pushed around by the ALWAYS LARGER defensemen of the Western Conference.

Kocur for GM.

You're probably right. And doesn't that suck?

[edicius 3,269]

What's going to make players like Suter and Parise want to come to Detroit? Seriously.

[Guest blueadams]

Step by Step. 22.6 mill in cap space for 15/23 man roster

1) trade Franzen, Kindl, Emmerton for picks and prospects. Leaving us with roughly 28 mill with 12/23 spots taken

2) Throw Nyquist, Smith, and Mursak on the team leaving us with roughly 25.7 mill in cap space with 15/23 spots taken

3) Resign Helm and Andelkader. Helm 3 or 4 years for 1.75 a year. Abby 3 year 1.2. 22.75 in cap space for 17/23 spots taken.

4) Sign Suter, Parise, and Semin for a total of 19 million. Leaving 3.75 in space with 20/23 spots taken.

5) Sign Konopka and another fourth line physical player for cheap say 1.8 or so for both. Leaving 1.95 in space with 22/23 spots taken.

6) Sign a physical bruising d-man for around 1-1.2. Leaving 750,000- 950,000 in space with a full roster.

Nyquist- Datsyuk- Semin

Filppula- Zetterberg- Parise

Abdelkader- Helm- Eaves

Cleary- Konopka- 4th liner/ bertuzzi/ mursak

Suter- Big E

Kronwall- Smith

Quincey- White

Physical bruising d-man

Howard

Joey

I'm not sure that, essentially, swapping Franzen for Semin is an upgrade.

last i checked it was a best of 7 series...

agreed. but still.

A lot of teams want Parise and Suter, unfortunately.

Parise did say his favorite player to watch is Datsyuk, though. Maybe there's a little hope with him.

I think our best angle is that we're one of the few teams - with a winning tradition - that can afford to sign both...and they want to play together.

1. A pure goal scorer.

1a. Acquire one or two faceoff specialists.

2. A new defensive coach who can stop them from pinching and creating endless odd men rushes (hasn't been a problem in the playoffs too much, but regular season was brutal)

3. Acquire a great backup goaltender.

A lot of players simply aren't pulling their weight. Abdelkader has been all over the ice, but we expect him to get some offense going too and he hasn't all year. The bottom six needs an overhaul and we need to acquire a lot of depth because we'll get plagued with injuries again late in the season.

Franzen-Datsyuk-?

Bertuzzi-Zetterberg-Filppula

Miller-Helm-Abdelkader

Nyquist-?-Tatar

?-Kronwall

Ericsson-White

Quincey-Smith

With this debacle of a series I don't see Lidstrom returning. He can't contribute due to injury and that's going to play a big factor in his decision I'm sure. He can't play the way he wants to anymore.

Even with a big-name acquisition that defense is not the best in the league. We need to add scoring ability to all lines, too.

Howard...well...he's been pretty cold this season and in this last game, but we can't do anything about him. Just acquire a new backup who can carry half the load if need be.

I'm not sure that Joey Mac isn't a good enough backup goalie. And Howard's been excellent for the most all regular and post season.

"Didn't see what we were looking for in free agency"

"Prices were too high for our liking"

"Holding on to our cap-space for possible late season acquisitions"

"Improvements will come from within (reference a players injury or player waiting for breakout)"

"We like our hockey team"

Last three years have been treading water. Wasting years on the odometer of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Lidstrom, the latter of which will most likely be gone. I hate using hindsight, but it is true, the signing of Franzen and Hudler in 2009 while letting Hossa and Samuelsson walk has not worked out. And I would be shocked if Holland doesn't resign Hudler at a raise.

Way too much loyalty; not enough balls. The Wings NEED a splash in free agency, in the form of Parise or Suter. And honestly, seeing how few pure scorers this team has, I would prefer Parise. Top-tier forwards don't become available often, and as much as I know the Wings blueline will need bolstering, Datsyuk and Zetterberg are on the wrong side of the 30-32 hump and need help from a young, elite scorer. Good as Suter is, I really don't think that will change our fortunes, just slow the bleeding.

Parise (or similiar elite scorer) or bust.

agreed.

[Nyquistfan14 489]

I'm not sure that, essentially, swapping Franzen for Semin is an upgrade.

Well he's way more skilled and even if he floats he still does more than that doh head Franzen. Plus he's a right hand shot and when he is on his game he is one of the most talented players in the game. As well I can actually see him being motivated to be on a line with Datsyuk.

[rick zombo 3,739]

What's going to make players like Suter and Parise want to come to Detroit? Seriously.

The same thing that made Hasek, Hull, and Lucky Luc come to Detroit in 2001 after a first round pounding by LA and after three years of playoff failure?

[b.shanafan14 733]

Sometimes I think there is an element of every teams natural change over that is missing from the Red Wings: players wanting to test the water elsewhere. Players come to this franchise and like it here. They are playing with some of the best to ever play the game, in an organization that functions like a big family, with a community that appreciates while respecting them, and the best owners in pro-sports. I don't think you can discount the fact that a player wanting to go elsewhere or at least see what his options are in free agency causes quicker turnover.

Red Wings management these days seems to exist only to fill gaps left by retiring players or cap-casualties. After that, the priority is retaining drafted and developed players, no matter what. Who was the last player to get the "thanks but no thanks"? Who was the last player to decide for themselves to test things elsewhere? Lilja, 3 seasons ago?

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

Yes, there IS still hockey to be played and YES we're all still on board but there has been a backslide in playoff performance, by which this entire franchise is graded, and some changes will need to be made.

I'm not going to talk as much in specifics as far to much can happen on salary projections ie bidding wars, guys sign elsewhere for more/less etc.

Homer, we love you, this was your last year.

I'd be open to trading Franzen. We seem to spend a lot of time these last couple three playoff runs skating the perimeter while teams go north/south at the Wings. There is no bigger poster child to perimeter play an The Mule.

Jimmeh thus far has also taken a step back this playoff run but only those in the dressing room know if it has been compounded by bad defense and bad backchecking.

I'd sooner say the Wings would land Parise than Suter/Weber. The Devils did NOTHING once again to show Parise he's a valued guy they want to win NOW with whereas Nashville did add parts to show Suter/Weber they are serious about winning. Plus the Devils are going to undergo a little identity crisis this upcoming offseason. Rumors here in Devilland have them damned worried Parise will bolt.

The Wings STILL need some top flight defense. I'm not saying you have to go find the next Weber, hell sign a couple guys like Volchenkov who block every shot and play nasty minutes. Sign a couple real attention to detail defensemen, something sadly Brad Stuart is no longer. He's been a serviceable pro and I hope he finds peace living in SoCal with his family.

Extras we could consider losing: Eaves (sorry Patrick, it's unfortunate), Cleary who again gave his all but we need to get better up front, Abdelkader vexes me night in and night out. Some may have a home for him, I'd be open to trading him.

On defense keep everyone but Stuart until you know what St. Nick wants to do. Then you can streamline your pairing by addition and subtraction. Is Kindl really the future? Is Smith ready for an 82+ game season?

It's time like this I miss Scotty whispering in Kenny's ear.

[Danielsm 244]

I'm very open to trading Filpulla and Franzen at this point in time. With Filpulla's breakout season, he'll be worth more than usual and Franzen needs to find a new team to put a spark in his lazy play. They are both still worth a fair bit.

Side-note: Anyone else like the Klein dude on Nashville? He's been their best defensemen all series.

Edited April 18, 2012 by Danielsm

[Nyquistfan14 489]

I'm very open to trading Filpulla and Franzen at this point in time. With Filpulla's breakout season, he'll be worth more than usual and Franzen needs to find a new team to put a spark in his lazy play. They are both still worth a fair bit.

Side-note: Anyone else like the Klein dude on Nashville? He's been their best defensemen all series.

Franzen hell yes. Filppula no. Fil is gonna be a Wing for his career IMO. He's only going to get better and more confident as he is hitting his prime right now. Keep Filppula. Trade Franzen.

[Danielsm 244]

Franzen hell yes. Filppula no. Fil is gonna be a Wing for his career IMO. He's only going to get better and more confident as he is hitting his prime right now. Keep Filppula. Trade Franzen.

You're just saying that because you'll have to change your name.

[Nyquistfan14 489]

You're just saying that because you'll have to change your name.

Haha you caught me!! . If it were me I would keep Filppula, trade Franzen, let Hudler go, and sign Parise and Semin. Premote Nyquist to first line and you have a dominant top six.

Nyquist- Datsyuk- Semin

Filppula- Zetterberg- Parise

Sound good?

[b.shanafan14 733]

I'm very open to trading Filpulla and Franzen at this point in time. With Filpulla's breakout season, he'll be worth more than usual and Franzen needs to find a new team to put a spark in his lazy play. They are both still worth a fair bit.

Side-note: Anyone else like the Klein dude on Nashville? He's been their best defensemen all series.

Filppula's value is high, so I get that logic, but you'll never get a comparable player back in return. Filppula is the best player on the team not named Zetterberg, Datsyuk, or Lidstrom. He earns every point he gets and then some. He hasn't be able to get on the scoreboard these playoffs, but who has? Filppula has to stay.

Franzen has to go, in my opinion. He has become the face of this teams bad habits and poor effort. He'll still be able to fetch a decent return, but not for long. With another 8 years left, the Wings need to clear him from their books, even if essentially taking a "mulligan" on his contract doesn't get them what they feel is adequate. Shop him quietly and do it by the draft/free-agency, this team will be world's better for it.